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Why Waterproof Flooring Matters in Yakima Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms take more water exposure than any other room in your home. Between cooking spills, bath splashes, dishwasher leaks, and the occasional toilet overflow, these high-moisture rooms need flooring that can handle it without warping, swelling, or growing mold underneath.
For Yakima homeowners, there is an added factor. Snow and mud tracked in from the garage through the kitchen during winter months means your floor needs to stand up to moisture year-round. The good news is that today's waterproof flooring options look better and perform better than ever.
Here is a breakdown of the best waterproof flooring options we carry at our Yakima showroom, with honest pros and cons for each.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The Most Popular Waterproof Floor in Yakima
Luxury vinyl plank has become the top-selling waterproof flooring in our showroom, and for good reason. LVP is 100% waterproof through the core, meaning water can sit on the surface or seep into the seams without causing damage to the plank itself.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and basements.
Why Yakima homeowners love it: LVP looks like real hardwood but handles moisture, temperature swings, and heavy foot traffic without issue. It installs quickly with a click-lock system, which keeps installation costs lower than tile or hardwood.
What to watch for: Not all LVP is created equal. Look for a rigid core (SPC) rather than a flexible core (WPC) if you want maximum dent resistance. We carry brands that offer both, and our team can walk you through the differences in person.
If you want a deeper dive into LVP specifically, check out our guide on why Yakima homeowners are choosing luxury vinyl plank.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Waterproof With a Tile Look
Luxury vinyl tile offers the same waterproof performance as LVP but in a square tile format. If you love the look of stone or ceramic tile but want a warmer, softer surface underfoot, LVT is worth considering.
Best for: Bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens where you want a tile aesthetic without the cold feel or grout maintenance.
Why it works: LVT gives you the visual of natural stone or ceramic without the weight, cost, or installation complexity. It is also much more forgiving if you drop a glass on it.
Porcelain Tile: The Gold Standard for Wet Areas
Porcelain tile has been the go-to bathroom and kitchen floor for decades, and it still holds its own against newer options. Porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, making it virtually impervious to water.
Best for: Bathrooms, shower surrounds, kitchen floors, and outdoor-to-indoor transitions.
Why it still wins in some situations: Nothing matches porcelain for longevity in wet areas. A properly installed porcelain floor with sealed grout can last 50+ years. It also handles radiant heat systems beautifully, which is a nice bonus during cold Yakima winters.
The tradeoff: Porcelain is harder and colder underfoot, and installation takes longer and costs more than vinyl options. Grout lines also require periodic sealing and cleaning.
For a full comparison of tile options, read our guide on the different types of tile flooring for Yakima homes.
Sheet Vinyl: Budget-Friendly and Fully Waterproof
Sheet vinyl often gets overlooked, but it remains one of the most practical waterproof flooring choices for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and rental properties.
Best for: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, rental units, and budget-conscious remodels.
Why it deserves consideration: Sheet vinyl comes in a continuous roll with minimal or no seams, which means there are fewer places for water to penetrate. Modern sheet vinyl patterns have come a long way and can convincingly mimic stone, wood, and tile. It is also the most affordable waterproof option per square foot.
If you are remodeling a rental property, pair this post with our guide to the best flooring for Yakima rental properties.
Ceramic Tile: A Solid Waterproof Option at a Lower Price Point
Ceramic tile offers many of the same waterproof benefits as porcelain at a lower material cost. It is a strong choice for bathroom floors and backsplashes where heavy impact is less of a concern.
Best for: Bathroom floors, backsplashes, and powder rooms.
Keep in mind: Ceramic is softer and more porous than porcelain, so it is not ideal for outdoor use or extremely high-traffic commercial areas. For most residential bathrooms though, it performs beautifully.
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Floor for Your Space
The best waterproof flooring depends on your room, your budget, and your style preferences. Here is a quick framework:
Choose LVP or LVT if you want warmth underfoot, easy installation, and excellent water resistance at a mid-range price point.
Choose porcelain tile if you want maximum durability and longevity and do not mind the higher installation cost and cooler surface temperature.
Choose sheet vinyl if you need a budget-friendly solution that is fully waterproof and quick to install.
Choose ceramic tile if you want a classic tile look in a bathroom at a lower material cost than porcelain.
Not sure which direction makes sense for your project? Schedule a free in-home measurement and our team will help you narrow it down based on your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Flooring
Is LVP truly 100% waterproof?
Yes. Rigid core LVP (SPC) is waterproof through the entire plank. Water will not cause the material to swell, warp, or grow mold. However, if water gets underneath the flooring through an unsealed edge, it can become trapped between the subfloor and the vinyl. Proper installation with sealed transitions prevents this.
Can I put waterproof flooring over my existing floor?
In many cases, yes. LVP and LVT can often be installed over existing hard surfaces as long as the subfloor is flat and in good condition. Our installation team will assess your subfloor during the free measurement visit.
What is the most durable waterproof flooring for a kitchen?
For most Yakima kitchens, rigid core LVP offers the best balance of durability, water resistance, comfort, and cost. Porcelain tile is more durable long-term but comes at a higher price and is harder underfoot.
Does All American Discount Flooring offer deals on waterproof flooring?
We do. Check our current specials page for monthly deals on LVP, tile, and other waterproof options. We also offer year-round discounts for military, veterans, teachers, and first responders.
See Waterproof Flooring in Person at Our Yakima Showroom
Photos and descriptions only go so far. The best way to choose waterproof flooring is to see and feel the samples in person, compare colors against your cabinet and countertop selections, and talk through your project with someone who installs these products every day.
Visit us at 713 S. 1st Street in Yakima or contact us to schedule a free in-home measurement. We will bring samples to your home so you can see how they look in your actual lighting and next to your existing finishes.
Looking for more flooring advice? Browse our full collection of buying guides and flooring tips for Yakima homeowners.